Organized Sports for Children and Preadolescents

• Published in: Pediatrics (Evanston) 2001-06, Vol.107 (6), p.1459-1462
• Main Authors: Washington, R L, Bernhardt, D T, Gomez, J, Johnson, M D, Martin, T J, Rowland, T W, Small, E, LeBlanc, C, Krein, C, Malina, R, Young, J C, Reed, F E, Anderson, S, Bolduc, S, Bar-Or, O, Newland, H, Taras, H L, Cimino, D A, McGrath, J W, Murray, R D, Yankus, W A, Young, T L, Fleming, M, Glendon, M, Harrison-Jones, L, Newberry, J L, Pattishall, E, Vernon, M, Wolfe, L, Li, S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Age Factors; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Child Development - physiology; Child, Preschool; Children & youth; Children's sports; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Guidelines as Topic; Humans; Motor Skills - physiology; Participation; Pediatrics; Pediatrics - organization & administration; Pediatrics - standards; Physical Education and Training - methods; Physical Education and Training - organization & administration; Physical Fitness - physiology; Physician's Role; Safety and security measures; Socialization; Sports; Sports - education; Sports - physiology; Sports for children; Vertebrates: body movement. Posture. Locomotion. Flight. Swimming. Physical exercise. Rest. Sports
• ISSN: 0031-4005; 1098-4275; 1098-4275
• DOI: 10.1542/peds.107.6.1459

Participation in organized sports provides an opportunity for young people to increase their physical activity and develop physical and social skills. However, when the demands and expectations of organized sports exceed the maturation and readiness of the participant, the positive aspects of participation can be negated. The nature of parental or adult involvement can also influence the degree to which participation in organized sports is a positive experience for preadolescents. This updates a previous policy statement on athletics for preadolescents and incorporates guidelines for sports participation for preschool children. Recommendations are offered on how pediatricians can help determine a child's readiness to participate, how risks can be minimized, and how child-oriented goals can be maximized.